Autonomous Centre Of Edinburgh

If you’re a closet anarchist, a would-​be eco-​warrior, or harbour dreams of social subversion and long to take radical action against the state, then the odds are that you’re already familiar with A.C.E. A stalwart of Edinburgh’s activist community, this small building just off Leith Walk provides a meeting place for a range of campaigning organisations, from the Coalition Against Poverty to groups expressing solidarity with freedom movements in Gaza and Mexico.
That kind of thing can often seem a bit intense, but even if you’re not immediately prepared to plunge into direct action, the Autonomous Centre is still a cool place to drop by, even if just to peruse the radical library inside, and pick up a book that might inspire you to get more involved. As well as regular meetings of particular groups, there are often one-​off discussion days or film showings here which are usually thought-​provoking at the very least.
Finally, there is a food co-​operative based here, which allows you to get hold of staple foods such as rice and oats in large quantities at incredibly low prices — a good idea, whatever your political inclinations.